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  1. #1
    Senior Member Chocolatier's Avatar
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    Franconia Brook, with Pictures

    It's foliage season in the Whites of NH, so Rich & Mike decided to hang our hammocks at the Franconia Brook Tentsite in the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The site's an easy three mile hike along an old railway corridor, so we set out after lunch last Thursday and hit the trailhead around 3:15PM. An hour later and we had the place almost entirely to ourselves.

    The damp weather didn't prevent a small fire in the fire ring, so we lit some charcoal and sipped Chianti while waiting for things to heat up enough for cooking. This not being an ultralight sort of trek, Mike had brought along a few steaks for direct-charcoal grilling.



    Meanwhile, I kicked up my ancient Whisperlite and pulled together some pasta with cheese and wild hedgehog mushrooms. A bit of fresh bread I'd brought back from Montreal, and not a bad meal, all in all.


    After the requisite chatting around the fire, it's hang the bearbag and hang the hammocks. Mike's been using a Hennessey for the past few years, and I brought along my brand new never-slept-in WB Blackbird.

    It was misting, so I put up the tarp--a Warbonnet cat-cut hex tarp--first. Next came the hammock, a dual 1.1 WBBB. This was only the second time I'd hung the Blackbird and it went up fast and easy. Slipped my Prolite 4 Thermarest between the layers (easier said than done) and dropped in my 20 degree synth bag.


    Here's Mike with his trusty Hennessey.


    One of the best outdoor sleeps I've ever had. The hammock is roomy and comfortable, and the shelf is well worth having. Though the temperature dropped a bit below 40 degrees and it poured rain, I woke up warm, dry, and comfy.




    Woke up, drank some good Mexican drinking chocolate, and headed up the trail to not see the suspension bridge the Park Service had just removed. Sure enough, the bridge wasn't really placed for use.


    Good thing we weren't making the crossing--it will be totally impassable during the Spring.


    Hiked back, broke camp, and headed back to reality. Never can get too many of these outings.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Chocolatier; 10-14-2009 at 10:35. Reason: Added Mike's photo
    --Chocolatier (Master Chocolatier and Amateur Hammocker)

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  2. #2
    Senior Member headchange4u's Avatar
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    Wow. That steak looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing
    “Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it." -Terry Pratchett



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  3. #3
    Senior Member UncleMJM's Avatar
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    Great report. I can never get too much of those short trips either.

    I love the pictures and the menu.

    When you say direct-charcoal grilling, you really mean direct, not just over the heat source but on it. Any tips for those of us that usually use a grill and haven't done it that way before?

  4. #4
    Senior Member Chocolatier's Avatar
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    Just get the coals good and hot and drop some salt & peppered steaks right on top. After they're nicely browned, flip them over, cook for a few more minutes, then drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Mike's recipe and was very nice.
    --Chocolatier (Master Chocolatier and Amateur Hammocker)

    Dancing Lion Chocolate
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    Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso.
    Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick. ~Spanish Proverb

  5. #5
    Senior Member UncleMJM's Avatar
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    Too simple. Thanks!

  6. #6
    Senior Member pgibson's Avatar
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    Looks good, Now I am hungry for campfire steaks, you guys want to come to Idaho for the hang next year we could use more guys that cook like that Looks like a great trip, thanks for sharing
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  7. #7
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    I've been itching to try that method for cooking steaks, but I never work up the nerve. It's good to see I'm not the only one that likes to eat well on short outings. Last trip, I wasn't confident about the source of heat so I had to use a coleman grill. It's amazing what the right seasonings and the proper application of heat can do for even the cheapest cuts of meat.

    Turned chuck eye steaks into steak sandwiches. If only I'd brought along mushrooms and onions, it would have been perfect. Thanks for the inspiration.
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  8. #8
    Senior Member Hawk-eye's Avatar
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    Wish I'd not seen this post ... think I gained a pound just viewing those pic's

    WARNING: Will discuss Rhurbarb Strawberry Pie and Livermush at random.


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  9. #9
    Senior Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hawk-eye View Post
    Wish I'd not seen this post ... think I gained a pound just viewing those pic's
    it's winter weight.

    for camping.
    I have heard your confession I know who you blame
    If you had it all back you'd just lose it again
    Can't bank on redemption if you ain't saved
    Don't bring me your tales of temptation and loss
    Don't bring me the pieces of your shattered cross

    -- Stuart Adamson

  10. #10
    Member Sweetpea's Avatar
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    Thanks for the report. Loved the photo of the colorful leaves on your tarp. Pretty. Oh, and thanks for the info on cooking the steaks directly on the coals. Had no idea you could do that!
    We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down. ~Robert Sweetgall

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